Tragedy struck near Liberty Island in New York Harbor when a boat capsized on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of two people, including an infant. Authorities have since charged the vessel’s captain with reckless endangerment.
The New York Police Department reported to the media that officers were dispatched following a 10:25 p.m. call regarding a capsized boat. Remarkably, twelve individuals were already rescued from the water by the time police reached the scene.
NYPD divers later discovered a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl in the water. Both were rushed to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition. Tragically, both succumbed to their injuries. Officials have not yet released their identities.
The boat’s captain, identified as 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez from New York City, was arrested and is now facing 13 counts of reckless endangerment, according to statements from the Coast Guard.
Saturday night’s maritime disaster in New York Harbor claimed the lives of a woman and a young child when their boat capsized. (FNTV)
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Captain Doreen McCarthy, Coast Guard Sector New York commander. “We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water. We are working closely with CGIS and the NYPD to investigate this incident. We are committed to holding illegal operators accountable to highest extent of the law to ensure the safety of everyone on our waterways.”
The Statue of Liberty stands in the foreground as Lower Manhattan is viewed at dusk, September 8, 2016, in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Police said some of the other passengers were also transported to the hospital and are believed to be in stable condition.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the capsizing and whether the vessel was an illegal charter.
A police source told News Media that the vessel was a 22-foot bowrider.
A man is treated after a boat capsized in New York Harbor, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (FNTV)
The NYPD’s Harbor Unit, Scuba Team and Aviation Unit responded to the scene along with the U.S. Coast Guard.